The Evanston Dance Company (EDC) presented its Synergy show on Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1. The company’s latest choreography featured the student dancers’ collaboration and creativity.
This year’s show, titled Synergy, was named by the dancers themselves. The theme focused on unity and bringing people together.
“We wanted to capture the idea that when we work together, we can create something bigger than one could alone,” said Olivia Chiss, a senior in the EDC program. “We wanted to represent what being a team truly is.”
The student-choreographed dances reflected this message.
“We wanted to focus on how humans lean into one another and show how grief redistributes when it’s no longer carried alone,” said Chiss.
The show is created and choreographed by students alongside a few outside professionals. According to Chiss, EDC invites choreographers to inspire and challenge dancers to explore different types of dance.
The program emphasizes encouragement and teamwork rather than competition.
“Even though we dance at different levels and embrace different styles, everyone cheers each other on,” said senior Macyn Hearn. “It never feels competitive, and everyone wants each other to do well.”
Preparations for Synergy began months in advance with rehearsals starting in October and continuing through tech in February. The dancers spent five hours each night throughout two weeks of tech week, where they practiced spacing, lighting and rehearsing.
Teamwork and discipline are also important in executing the dances, and even one absence can create challenges for the dancers.
“There are definitely days where people have to miss, but we have a good system where we share videos [of our dances] so people can catch up,” said Liora Rappaport, a senior in EDC. “We all have the same goal: to give the show our best and have fun at the same time.”
EDC makes a point of celebrating its senior members, recognizing the dedication and growth they have shown throughout their high school years. During the show, EDC presented a slideshow including photos and videos capturing memories and experiences from throughout the year.
Building on what they learned during their four years in EDC, the seniors also work together to choreograph a dance. This year, the dance was called “Time After Time.”
These traditions honor the commitment and dedication from seniors, and demonstrate to younger dancers the importance of leadership and community.
Following Synergy, the EDC is already looking ahead to upcoming events. In April, the company will host its annual Spring Dance Showcase, featuring pieces from Synergy and new choreography created by the company’s seniors.
Dancers have also auditioned for the Illinois High School Dance Festival State Showcase, which is scheduled for May 2 at Northeastern Illinois University.
“For me, Synergy is about everyone coming together,” said Hearn. “It’s not just about the dances, it’s about the team and all of the different styles and people working together to create the show.”
As EDC moves forward with new performances and opportunities, the collaboration and unity that defined Synergy continue to shape the dancers and program.
